Hot Doug's--the book coming in 2013

(Tribune File photo )

May 02, 2012|By Melanie Zanona | for RedEye

The man who graced Chicago with Hot Doug's super sausages is now asking customers for a little something in return: their memories.

Doug Sohn, owner of the self-proclaimed meat emporium in Irving Park, wants to permanently encase the meat memories of patrons in an upcoming book that will showcase a history of the Chicago-staple restaurant.

Sohn said the book, like the restaurant, wouldn't be complete without its faithful following of customers. And besides, the more contributions that are made, the "less work I have to do," Sohn joked.

Hot Doug's; The Book will be released in spring 2013 by local publisher Agate Publishing. Sohn said he had been approached to do a book before, but didn't want to commit unless the book could blend history, community and experience. And what better way than asking customers to describe those feelings in their own words.

"I want to be able to remember everything," said Sohn, who can often be found taking orders and slinging dogs in the front of house. "My favorite part of the job is getting to know the customers, even though I know that doesn't always do wonders for the line."

Angie Garbot, a Chicago-based photographer, said she used to frequent the original Hot Doug's location with her hot-dog aficionado father. But besides the food, her favorite part about the joint is the friendly atmosphere.

"There's something special about the owner being out front and in the daily ins and outs of a local business," Garbot said. "It's becoming a rarer and rarer thing. And even though the dogs all have fun, kitschy names, the product is top-notch. No kitsch there."